United States Bureau of Insular Affairs

The United States Bureau of Insular Affairs (BIA) was a federal agency established in 1910 to oversee U.S. territories acquired after the Spanish-American War, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Its role was to manage administrative issues, development, and governance in these territories until they gained more autonomous status or transitioned to statehood. The BIA helped coordinate military, economic, and political affairs, ensuring U.S. interests and providing administrative support. Over time, its responsibilities shifted, and it was eventually integrated into other federal agencies as the territories' governance evolved.